 Sister Mary Elizabeth Dunton, SNJM
Vida Maria
July 6, 1914–May 23, 2011 (Spokane, WA)
Mary Elizabeth Dunton was born July 6, 1914, in Seattle, Washington, to Ernest and Elizabeth Williams Dunton. Two sisters and two brothers followed. Having finished her elementary and secondary school education at St. James, Immaculate and Holy Names Academy in 1932 Seattle, Mary entered the novitiate of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary at Marylhurst, Oregon. She pronounced her vows in 1934. She continued her formal education, earning a BM in violin from Marylhurst College and an MM in music Education from the University of Washington.
Sister Mary Dunton served as Music teacher in the schools of Washington and Oregon for twenty-five years. She was a high school teacher and Sodality Director at Holy Names Academy, Seattle. She became a college administrator at Fort Wright College, Spokane, for the next seventeen years and founded and directed the Fort Wright College Historical Museum during that time. After the College closed, she became a licensed Real Estate sales person and property manager in Washington State. At the request of Fort Wright Center, Mary returned to open the Durocher Bed and Breakfast which operated successfully until the Fort Wright campus was sold to the Japanese owned Mukagawa Institute. Sister Mary was Director of the Archives for the Washington Province of her community, conserving and preserving the historical heritage of the Sisters of the Holy Names. Her passion was creative writing and publishing books to promote the Educational Charism of the Sisters.
Mary’s long Music career and commitment to education were her credentials as chairman of the Washington State Arts Commission and of the Ten Western States Alliance for the Arts and as board member of the Maryhill Museum of the Arts.
Mary’s active hobbies were listening to classical music, sewing, avid and eclectic reading.
On the occasion of her 70th Jubilee in 2004 as a Holy Names Sister, Mary wrote an “Apologia” in which she shared her vibrant spirit and deep beliefs. They included gratitude for “the giftedness of being a holy Names Sister,” a reaffirmation and commitment to her vows, her belief that education shapes the world. She shared that “the nurturing earth brings me beauty and calls in turn to care for its gifts.” “Prayer for me is vital action.” “The fountain of life lies in hope for the future, confidence in ourselves and comfort in the embrace of a loving God…”
Sister Mary described herself as a feminist and futurist. She was always moving into the future joyfully and with “great expectations!” She is remembered and appreciated for her curiosity, creativity, and willingness to challenge the status quo in the quest for fullness of life. She has achieved her goals!
Sister Mary Elizabeth Dunton died May 23, 2011, in Spokane. She joins her beloved brother, Ernie, and her sisters Margaret and Rosemarie. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, her religious Sisters and numerous friends, among whom are many former students. |